Hilo, Hawaii Shore Excursions
4 & 5* Hilo, Hawaii Shore Excursions
Hilo, Hawaii
Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 187.95
Hilo, Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Highlights Small Group Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 187.95
Hilo, Hawaii
Hawai'i's Volcanoes National Park from Hilo Only
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 - 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 229.99
Hilo, Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park Adventure Tour - Hilo Shore Excursion
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 195.99
Hilo, Hawaii
Private Shore Excursion Hilo Volcanoes National Park up to 10 PPL
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 1595.00
Hilo, Hawaii
Majestic Waterfall Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 3 - 4 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 229.99
Hilo, Hawaii
Volcano Adventure: Hilo Sightseeing w/ Optional Helicopter Tour
Duration: 10 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 202.76
Hilo, Hawaii
Secret Tide Pool Hike - Jungle & Coast - Private
Duration: 2 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 100.00
Hilo, Hawaii
Volcano National Park and Rainbow Fall in Hilo, Hawaii
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 - 7 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 175.00
Hilo, Hawaii
Volcanoes Adventure Tour from Hilo
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 189.99
Hilo, Hawaii
Elite Volcano Hike From Hilo
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 9 Hours
Physical difficulty: Hard
Free cancellation
From USD 275.28
Hilo, Hawaii
Akaka Falls Tour - Volcanoes National Park and Hilo Discovery
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 7 - 8 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 179.00
Hilo, Hawaii
From Big island Hilo Private Volcanoes and Waterfalls Tour
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 950.00
Hilo, Hawaii
Private Tour: Experience Active Kilauea Volcano & Hilo Rainbow Falls
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 2255.39
Hilo, Hawaii
5 Hour Custom Private Tour of Hawaii
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 1895.00
Hilo, Hawaii
Private Shore Excursion Tour: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 1695.00
Hilo, Hawaii
Private VAN Tour Hilo
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 1 - 12 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 2302.51
Hilo, Hawaii
Private Volcano Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 4 - 5 Hours
Physical difficulty: Medium
Free cancellation
From USD 1999.99
Hilo, Hawaii
From Big island Hilo Volcanoes and Waterfalls Shared Tour
Port pick-up: Included
Duration: 6 Hours
Physical difficulty: Easy
Free cancellation
From USD 375.00
What should I know as a first-time visitor to Hilo?
Arriving in Hilo for the first time feels calm and welcoming, with lush landscapes meeting the harbour. A first-time visitor should know that Hilo shore excursions range from short rainforest walks to full-day volcano park visits, often with local guides who explain geology and culture. It helps to wear comfortable shoes and bring rain protection because weather can change quickly on the windward side of the island. Booking flexibility and clear meeting points make organising your day straightforward and reduce stress.
What are the top attractions to see during a Hilo visit?
Hilo’s top sights include Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, Rainbow Falls, and the Liliʻuokalani Gardens, each offering distinctive landscapes and photo opportunities. Many visitors choose Hilo tours that focus on geology or botany, letting guides highlight lava flows, native plants, and local wildlife. Allow extra time for short stops at scenic overlooks and roadside stands selling fresh fruit and snacks, which add local colour to the itinerary. Travelling between attractions can take longer than expected due to single-lane roads and variable traffic, so plan accordingly.
How do half-day excursions compare with full-day outings?
Deciding between a half-day and a full-day option depends on priorities and mobility, with half-day trips suited to short highlights and full-day outings better for deeper exploration. Practical considerations for Hilo shore excursions include travel time to distant sites such as volcanic craters and the need for proper footwear and snacks. Half-day trips often feature a single main site plus brief stops, while full-day itineraries can include multiple parks, waterfall hikes, and cultural demonstrations. Consider how much walking you want, the pace you prefer, and potential seasickness when evaluating options.
How can I learn about Hilo’s culture and history on a shore visit?
The region around Hilo is rich in Native Hawaiian history, missionary-era sites, and agricultural heritage tied to sugar and macadamia nut production. Local museums, historic buildings, and guided Hilo tours often include interpreters who discuss ancestral stories, land stewardship, and the impact of past industries on communities. Attending a cultural demonstration or visiting a community-run site provides context for place names, hula traditions, and craft techniques passed down generations. Respectful behaviour, asking permission before photographing people or private sites, and listening attentively to guides will deepen your understanding.
What kind of nature and scenery will I encounter near Hilo?
Hilo’s environment varies from coastal tidepools to misty rainforests and volcanic plateaus, offering diverse landscapes within short distances. Many Hilo shore excursions take visitors to rainforest trails, dramatic waterfall viewpoints, and volcanic overlooks where steam and hardened lava illustrate ongoing geological processes. Be prepared for muddy paths, uneven ground, and sudden rain squalls typical of the windward side of the island, and bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes in shaded areas. Observing from designated trails preserves fragile ecosystems and reduces disturbance to native species.
What local foods and eating options are typical in Hilo?
Hilo’s food scene blends traditional Hawaiian dishes, Asian-Pacific influences, and abundant fresh fruit from nearby farms and markets. Many visitors on Hilo tours sample poke bowls, local plate lunches, and tropical fruit, while also finding roadside vendors offering taro-based treats and shave ice. Dietary requests can usually be accommodated by guides or market vendors, but carrying snacks is advisable if you have strict needs. Trying small portions from several stalls helps assess flavour profiles and supports local producers without overwhelming your schedule between activities.
What activity level should I expect on Hilo excursions?
Activity levels vary from gentle walks to strenuous hikes over uneven lava fields and steep rainforest trails. Clear descriptions of difficulty appear in Hilo shore excursions itineraries, but confirm elevation changes, expected walking distances, and trail surfaces before booking to match your fitness. Consider footwear, sun protection, water and frequent rest opportunities when planning, and inform guides of any health concerns so arrangements can be made. Selecting tours with shorter walking segments or scenic drives provides alternatives for travellers seeking lower-impact options.
How accessible are sites and transport options for visitors with mobility needs?
Accessibility varies significantly by site, with paved gardens and some museum exhibits easier to reach than rugged trails and volcanic overlooks. Operators often note accessibility details on Hilo tours descriptions, including wheelchair access, walking distances, and whether transfer assistance is available at meeting points. Phone or email ahead to confirm mobility accommodations, space for mobility aids on transport, and restroom facilities suitable for people with disabilities. Expect natural sites to have uneven surfaces and limited railings, so alternative viewing options are sometimes recommended for those requiring level ground.
When is the best time to take excursions around Hilo?
Hilo’s climate is warm and humid year-round, with wetter conditions typically from November to March and drier spells in summer months. Choosing quieter times for Hilo shore excursions can reduce crowds; early mornings often offer cooler temperatures and clearer skies, while afternoons bring increased rainfall and cloud cover. Seasonal variations also affect surf and river conditions, which in turn influence the availability of some walks or shoreline viewpoints. Consider local festivals and agricultural harvests when planning, as these events can enrich visits but may increase demand for certain sites.
Should I choose a guided tour or explore Hilo independently?
Guided options provide context and safety information, especially for remote or geologically active areas, while independent exploration offers more flexibility and self-paced discovery. Deciding between Hilo tours and solo outings depends on your comfort navigating unfamiliar roads, reading trail signs, and interpreting natural features without a guide. Guides can secure access to restricted viewpoints, share local stories, and manage logistics; independent visitors should prepare maps, permits where required, and contingency plans for transport delays. Always respect closures and follow official signage whether you are with a guide or exploring independently.
Which cruise lines visit Hilo, Hawaii?
Norwegian Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Oceania Cruises will all visit Hilo, Hawaii this year.
What cruise ships will sail to Hilo, Hawaii in 2026?
Hilo, Hawaii will be visited by Pride of America, Disney Wonder, Carnival Spirit, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam, Westerdam, Zaandam, Celebrity Edge, MSC Magnifica, Celebrity Solstice, Ruby Princess, Island Princess, Coral Princess, Carnival Radiance, Emerald Princess, Carnival Legend, Oceania Riviera, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Spirit, Grand Princess, Sapphire Princess, Crown Princess and Noordam.